The National Oncology Alliance (NOA), a first-of-its kind collaboration, is an Australian cancer advocacy initiative with more than 100 members, including patients, patient groups, clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry to make progress a reality.

The National Oncology Alliance (NOA), a first-of-its kind collaboration, is an Australian cancer advocacy initiative with more than 100 members, including patients, patient groups, clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry to make progress a reality.

There has never been more hope for Australian cancer patients than there is today. However, the playing field is not level or fair. Our systems need to keep pace with the advances in science.

NOA is determined to ensure Australians living with cancer have access to a health system that provides them with the treatment, support and care that they deserve.

Cancer is a community-wide problem that demands collaboration for progress to be made. NOA believes that change comes through collaboration and it works across a number of groups that support and underpin its goals – NOA calls those groups ‘pillars’ and they’re categorised by the shared experience of the members of the group. Pillar Heads report to the Steering Committee.

NOA’s work is directed by a steering committee, co-chaired by Professor John Zalcberg, who brings a wealth of research experience, alongside Rare Cancers Australia CEO Richard Vines while NOA’s four pillars are patients, patient groups, clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry.

NOA’s four pillars are patients, patient groups, clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry, each of which bring an important voice and experience to our work:

Cancer patients and carers are the best experts in the cancer experience as they deal with the realities of cancer every day. Their voice is critical to comprehensive solutions for the future.

Patient groups offer a broader perspective, representing the diverse needs of their communities and how policies and services impact them.

Clinicians have the passion to change lives, with front-line perspectives on system failures as well as the possibilities we need to make a reality.

Pharmaceutical companies are investing in research and delivering on the innovation that gives hope to people living with cancer. Everyone wants Australians to have access to the latest treatments at an affordable price, so industry input is key.

Our responsibility is to Australians living with cancer as it is the greatest cause of health burden in Australia.

Advancements in medical research, treatments and technology, have changed how cancer is treated, but also bring new challenges such as those around privacy and ethics. Cost and speed of access to treatments is also still an issue as the pace of reimbursement struggles to keep up with the advances.

As treatments advance, and technology continues to change how those living with cancer interact with clinicians, carers and communities, our health system must be ready to address these issues – or risk falling further behind. We must ensure the policy settings are in place to enable these new technologies to help patients.

Acknowledging this change, and the wide-reaching impact of cancer, NOA is a vehicle for consensus and collaboration across these myriad issues, allowing key stakeholders to identify and speak on key issues with a united voice.